Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Cocktail of the Summer

Holy deadlines! I have three major ones this week, but if all goes to plan I should be fine. Luckily, Mike had the foresight to snap some shots of my current favorite cocktail over the weekend. It makes for a nice, easy recipe to post on a day when I really need one!

Wine is my first love, but lately, I’ve renewed my enthusiasm for cocktails. I rarely drink vodka in any form (I’m more of a gin girl), but lately that classic vodka and cranberry combo has been tasting really good. The other week, Mike discovered a Ziploc baggie of Meyer lemon juice in our freezer that I had leftover from some recipe saved for a rainy day—it make a fabulous martini, with vodka of course.

During the summer though, certain cocktails really shine. I love drinks with lots of lime, like Margaritas and Caipirinhas, but now I can’t get enough of this new, simpler sipper—dark rum and pineapple juice with a squeeze of lime. I should come up with a good name for this. Any suggestions?

I know it’s not particularly creative, but it’s so tasty. The lime is essential to add some zip to the sweet pineapple juice. It’s best with dark rum, but not spiced (like Captain Morgan’s); that would be a whole different drink. So that’s my contribution to your Tuesday. When I get over my deadlines, I think I’ll celebrate with one. What is your drink of the summer so far?

Dark Rum & PineappleThough Dole pineapple juice is not a requirement, I like it and you can buy 6-packs of little individual cans—handy!

Makes 1

1 shot dark rum (1 1/2 ounces)Dole pineapple juice1 lime wedge

Fill a rocks glass with ice and add rum. Fill glass with pineapple juice, or to taste. Squeeze the lime into the drink and enjoy.

Kristen: I can't wait until next week; I'm anxious to catch up on everything on my backburner.Charmain: As great as a novel cocktail may sound, I'm never going to go to the trouble and expense of getting a lot of ingredients together. Guess that's why I've been drinking something so simple!Diana: I love "Deadline Chaser." Seriously.

Julie, my friend Alison came over for dinner this past weekend and was in charge of the drinks. She brought a green tea liqueur with her and made what she called Zen Mojitos. They were terrific: very lime-y and minty, with a little sweetness from the liqueur and simple syrup. I don't have the proportions, but you should give it a go!

I agree with Nicole, summer means gin and tonic! Here's two great tricks to really tick up your drink: freeze tonic ice cubes and use instead of regular ice, and add a dash of bitters. What a great drink.

Ooo, my summer drink of choice is caipirinha, the Brazilian drink made with cachaca rum, sugar, and lime. A friend of mine hails from Brazil and makes a great version with mint. The only problem is, caipirinha is a little TOO easy to drink--I need to limit myself to two glasses. Otherwise, I get pretty giggly!

Cheryl:I've had that green tea liqueur, and it is tasty! I think the drink also had sake and cucumber...but I could be confused. Your friend's version sounds delish.Zenana: Great idea for the ice cubes! I love bitters, but I've never put it in G&T (which is one of my ALL-TIME fave cocktails).Mallika: love it, esp. pina libreSarah: Mike and I LOVE caipirinhas! So much. Yes, they go down really easily, but they are not at all sissy drinks, as you know:)

I'm so happy to have recently discovered this blog. It's nice to know there are like-minded food folks in FTL. Lately, I've been mixing infused vodkas with regular old unsweetened iced tea. So simple and yet so refreshing. Some good choices are Absolut Peach and Stoli Blackberi.

Julie O'Hara Chicago, IL

Welcome! I'm a freelance recipe developer and writer for magazines like Shape, Clean Eating and National Geographic Traveler. View my work at julieoharawriter.com. I love your emails and comments--thanks for reading!